There are some times when seeing a play or musical that I have a complex and deep response to what I am seeing. I can look at it from many angles and have lots of discussion about a piece. I love these experiences but it is not the only way to appreciate theatre. There are times my response is more simple. I can often walk away having had a nice evening with a pleasant group of people and that’s ok too. Such was my experience at the musical Threads at Ideal Playhouse. It’s really more of a musical concert than a true musical but it’s very sweet and endearing that people of any faith will enjoy.

This production is the creation of Michael McLean and he is our narrator and musician for the night along with Lisa Blaser as our actor and lead vocalist. The conceit is McLean has had a dream about the women in his life and through telling their stories he hopes to inspire us to live as authentically as possible. This is a faith-based message that anyone could enjoy of any religious persuasion sticking to simple values of faith, forgiveness, hope etc. It’s all very sweet and heartwarming.

I actually interviewed McLean a few years ago (Dec 2020) which was a wonderful experience as I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for his The Forgotten Carols Christmas show. In many ways Threads is similar to The Forgotten Carols in that it has a narrator and then tells a variety of different stories to prove a point. Threads isn’t as memorable but it would be hard to duplicate the theatricality and poignancy of the traditions of Christmas. Things just ring differently at Christmas!

There are projections that go along with the various stories in Threads and they do bring those projections out into the walls of the audience at Ideal, which is fun. There were times when they used a background track that I didn’t really think was necessary. I would have been fine with just the piano and other instruments played by McLean.

All that said, if you are looking for a pleasant way to spend an evening check out Threads at Ideal Playhouse. There are only 6 performances and tickets can be purchased here.

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks like bonus episodes, patron polls and monthly Q&As with actors, directors and writers. Please take a look here.